"The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people"

As more families migrate to New Zealand and settle in South Canterbury, Roncalli College is becoming more ethnically and culturally diverse.

Here is a list of the nationalities represented in our school community:

It is this contrast and diversity that adds richness and understanding to our school culture. It is said that the key to building a healthy community is to understand, accept, and celebrate our individual and cultural differences. These cultural differences should not separate us but rather give us a collective strength. Once we understand and appreciate other people’s cultural backgrounds and perspectives, we can connect with them more easily and broaden our own understanding.

So how have students been celebrating their culture this term?

On 16 June our Filipino community celebrated Philippines Independence Day with the theme ‘Fiesta sa Mayon’. The students and their families, after several weeks of rehearsal and preparation, treated the whole school to an array of cultural dances in traditional costume. This celebration concluded with a morning tea with the Roncalli staff where the Filipino community shared some of their special ethnic dishes. A special mention must go to Jemimah Francisco for her organisation.

Another group that has been active this term has been the Pasifika group. This newly formed group has started regularly meeting this term and is receiving support and guidance from Multicultural Aoraki. They will host their first event in the first week of term 3. The event is called Poly Pull Up and is a combined event with the other local Pasifika school groups. It has been great to see this group get up and run and a special mention must go to Luisa Vuidravawalu for her commitment to establishing this group.

Another group that has been particularly active this year has been our Kapa Haka group. This is a young, talented, emerging group that has really grown in skill and confidence under the guidance of Hamuera Rahui and Raumiria Henare. 

Below is a list of some of the activities that they have been active in this year.

Mihi Whakatau

Our Kapa haka group took the lead in welcoming our new staff and students to the College at the start of the year. They also formally welcomed a group of Head Students and Principals from our other eight Marist Network Schools at a leadership form hosted at the College early in term 2. A special mention must go to Karakia Waa for her outstanding and powerful karanga.

Citizenship Ceremony

The Kapa haka group has started performing at the Timaru District Council Citizenship Ceremonies. This has been particularly special for the College as we have had two of our staff members, Mr Pribis and Mrs Hackler, recently become New Zealand citizens. I know it was special for them to be acknowledged by our kapa haka group.

College Masses

The Kapa haka group has performed at our two school masses in the Sacred Heat Basilica this year and have really added to the special character of our College.

Hikoi to Ōmarama – Duntroon

This 3-day hikoi followed the footsteps of the Prophet Hipa Te Maihāroa, who established a settlement in present day Ōmarama, before being kicked out two years later. From there, he made the long trek towards the South Bank of the Waitaki river with his followers.

The students in Year 10 Māori and Kapa Haka retraced part of this trek, while learning more of Te Maihāroa’s story, and teaching each other various skills throughout the trip. This was an amazing opportunity for them to develop their knowledge of the history in the Aoraki region and to benefit from the āko that took place on the trip.

Manu Kōrero

Ngā Manu Kōrero, is a prestigious speech competition for secondary students that serves as a significant platform for nurturing young leaders and preserving the Māori language. The competition promotes fluency in both te reo Māori and English while instilling a sense of responsibility in students towards their culture and communities. The event was hosted by Kaiapoi High School and nine Roncalli students attended – Karakia Waa, Mercedes Ferguson, Holly Thomas, Eli Reuben, Tyler Baron, Riley Curragh, William Gibson-Pani, Syesha Goodger &  Riley Shane. Thank you to Mountainview High School and Iri Wilson for supporting our two Junior speakers, Karakia and Mercedes, and for our combined Waiata. Thank you to Jas Pye (Roncalli College Whānau Group coordinator) for accompanying and supporting our ākonga.